I am usually the one that is tasked to bring the salad to Thanksgiving dinner. I think my family is a bit suspicious of my cooking skills. I usually take it upon myself to bring a game as well. It is not even a spoken thing – I just do it. Sometimes it is a board game I have picked up or something more like those “minute to win it” types of games. I recently saw something about different ways to celebrate Thanksgiving that may be fun or silly but still give you an opportunity to connect with your friends, family and neighbors.
Take it Outside. Some years this may be easier to do than others. The focus on Thanksgiving is often the dinner – yes, I love my brother in law’s smoked turkey. But to work off that heavy meal. I start the day at Turkey Creek. Yes, there really is a hiking trail called that. You can go on any trail, walk or just around the neighborhood. Make sure that every person with the group notices something to be grateful for and they can talk about it on the hike/walk. Make a rule like, it has to be something they can see on the walk.
Gratitude Show instead of Tell. We often go around the table telling what we are thankful for over the year. This year put a twist on that celebration. Instead of just talking about what has made you grateful – show it. Like when you were in elementary school (kids will be GREAT at this). Show something about your story. Show a photo, souvenir, or other momento about that thing that has made you most grateful.
Neighbor Appreciation. My daughter is a talented cook. She has been the pie expert for a couple years now (the one where she made the crust out of cinnamon rolls was AMAZING! But, we had too many leftovers (and were going out of town the following Sunday). We took a couple slices (that would have likely gone to waste) to our neighbor’s house. We knew they too – had gone elsewhere for the Thanksgiving meal – and didn’t have their own leftovers. It was a way to love on our neighbors and get rid of our leftovers at the same time.
PJ Day. More than Christmas – if you are not going anywhere for the day (maybe you’re saving your time off or your family is far away and you are waiting until Christmas to travel). Thanksgiving is the perfect day to stay in your PJs all day! Wake up to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Snuggle on the couch with a coffee and a warm blanket. Read a book. Order food from one of the great restaurant Thanksgiving options and be thankful that you don’t have to cook.
Volunteer. This one seems a bit too obvious, but you can spend the day volunteering. I have to admit this does take some pre-planning and most organizations need you to sign up well in advance for volunteer slots. And even if there are not spots available on Thanksgiving Day – you can make a commitment to volunteer all year long (and sign up on Thanksgiving so you can feel like you’re doing it that day).
No matter how you choose to celebrate Thanksgiving this year. We are thankful for you continuing to be a Mile High Mamas reader! We want to Thank YOU.
Author: Gretchen
Gretchen loves to be outdoors! She is addicted to coupons and finding the best deals or entering sweepstakes (one day she will win something really great!)
